Left Atrial Appendage Exclusion for Stroke Prevention in Atrial Fibrillation
Figure 8
Fluoroscopic sequence of the LARIAT procedure. (a) After transseptal and pericardial access, baseline left atrial angiography identifies the left atrial appendage. (b) Magnet-tipped endocardial and epicardial guidewires make contact across the wall of the left atrial appendage. (c) The balloon catheter is inflated just within the ostium of the left atrial appendage, guiding the placement of the epicardial snare. (d) The snare is tightened at the base of the left atrial appendage. (e) The balloon catheter is pulled back and left atrial angiography confirms occlusion of the left atrial appendage. (f) The suture is cinched down permanently, the snare is retracted, and a final left atrial angiogram reconfirms complete occlusion of the left atrial appendage.
